JP2007288239A - Facsimile machine and image data output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine capable of outputting data to a plurality of output destinations in real time. <P>SOLUTION: A JPEG conversion means 13 converts document data coded by a coding system for facsimile communication such as the MH, MR and MMR into print document data of the JPEG form corresponding to PictBridge being a communication standard with a printer 30 and makes a print document storage means 14 store the converted document data. An output destination monitor means 15 monitors whether or not a print control means 17, a card output means 18, and a server output means 19 are connected to output destinations respectively, and manages output propriety flags denoting whether or not the respective output destinations can output the print document data. An output destination switching means 16 references the output propriety flags to sequentially output the print document data to the output destinations in a state capable of outputting the print document data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and an image data output method for outputting image data to an external output apparatus.

  In general, a facsimile apparatus includes a dedicated printer device for printing a received facsimile document. In the case of owning a printer device that is connected to a personal computer and used, it substantially owns two printer devices. In order to eliminate such waste, a facsimile apparatus capable of connecting a general printer device and outputting image data has been studied.

  A facsimile system that can record high-quality images at high speed using an external printer has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a facsimile main body outputs a printer control code and predetermined character data to a printer device when an image is recorded, and converts the image data into image data that can be processed by the printer device and outputs the image data to the printer device. It is described to do. With such a configuration, even when the printer apparatus is an ink ejection method and controls the pulse width of ink ejection based on the surplus rate, the surplus rate can be appropriately determined based on the image data, and the image quality Can be improved.

  There has also been proposed an IC memory card data processing device that can be connected to a telephone line and write data from a facsimile device or the like as a calling terminal to an IC memory card (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, an IC memory card data processing device stores data from a facsimile device or the like input via a telephone line in a memory, and converts the data into data of a predetermined format by a signal conversion unit. It describes that data is written and stored in a predetermined area of the memory card. With such a configuration, the image data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus can be stored in the IC memory card and used in a personal computer compatible with the IC memory card.

  In a facsimile apparatus connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), there has been proposed an image communication apparatus that automatically delivers received image data to a destination terminal on the LAN or notifies the destination terminal on the LAN of reception. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3). Patent Document 3 describes that a facsimile machine connected to a LAN analyzes received image data, extracts address data of a destination terminal, and automatically delivers the image data. With such a configuration, transfer of image data from the image communication apparatus to the LAN can be automatically controlled.

JP-A-9-181863 (paragraphs 0063-0064) JP-A-6-37918 (paragraphs 0006-0007) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-186816 (paragraphs 0065-0080)

  However, since the methods described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 each have only one output destination, if a sudden failure or the like occurs at one output destination, the received data can be output. It becomes impossible. For this reason, there is a problem that reception data may not be acquired in real time.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and an image data output method capable of outputting data in real time for a plurality of output destinations.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus capable of communicating image data, and is based on an interface with a plurality of output devices including a printer device and a first encoding method corresponding to a communication standard with other facsimile devices. Data that converts image data according to the first encoding method into print image data (print document data) according to the second encoding method corresponding to the communication standard with the printer device when image data (document data) is input. A conversion unit; a detection unit that detects an output device capable of outputting print image data among a plurality of output devices; and an output that outputs the print image data created by the conversion by the data conversion unit to the output device detected by the detection unit Means.

  Storage means for storing print image data according to the second encoding method is provided, and the output means outputs the print image data stored in the storage means to the output device, and the print image data output to the output device is output from the storage means. It may be deleted. According to such a configuration, the storage means can be used effectively.

  When the image data stored in the external storage means is input, it is determined whether the input image data is image data according to the first encoding method, and the image data according to the first encoding method is used. If it is determined that there is a file format, the data conversion unit may include a file format determination unit that outputs image data. According to such a configuration, the data can be automatically output to the output device according to the file format of the data stored in the external storage device such as a memory card.

  An interface with a computer; and terminal print control means for outputting print image data output by the computer to the output means. The output means outputs the print image data output by the terminal print control means to the printer device. It may be configured. According to such a configuration, print data received from a computer can be output to a printer.

  The communication standard with the printer apparatus is PictBridge, and the print image data according to the second encoding method is preferably JPEG data. According to such a configuration, the image of the facsimile apparatus can be directly output from the printer without installing a printer driver depending on the model of the apparatus.

  An image data output method according to the present invention is an image data output method for outputting image data to a plurality of output devices including a printer device, and is an image according to a first encoding method corresponding to a communication standard with other facsimile devices. When data is input, the image data according to the first encoding method is converted into the print image data according to the second encoding method corresponding to the communication standard with the printer device, and the print image data among the plurality of output devices is converted. An output device capable of outputting is detected, and print image data created by conversion is output to the detected output device.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that printing can be performed using an externally connected printer without the facsimile apparatus having a built-in printer function. Further, there is an effect that the facsimile apparatus can output one print document data to a plurality of output destinations in real time.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. A facsimile apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1 includes a facsimile communication unit 11, a document temporary storage unit 12, a JPEG conversion unit 13, a print document storage unit 14, an output destination monitoring unit 15, an output destination switching unit 16, and a print destination. A control unit 17, a card output unit 18, a server output unit 19, and a scanner unit 20 are provided.

  The print control unit 17 and the printer 30 are connected via a USB cable, and the server output unit 19 and the file server 40 are connected via a LAN cable.

  The facsimile apparatus 101 and the printer 30 correspond to, for example, a communication standard “CIPA standard DC-001 (PictBridge)”. PictBridge is a standard that allows an image input device and an image output device to be directly connected with a USB cable and provides various services at the application level. For example, according to PictBridge, an image of a facsimile apparatus can be directly output from a printer without installing a printer driver depending on the model of the apparatus. The PictBridge compatible printer 30 can generally input JPEG format data and reproduce an image.

  The facsimile communication means 11 receives image data transmitted via a communication line (not shown) and stores it in the document temporary storage means 12 as a facsimile received document. The scanner unit 20 optically scans (scans) a document such as a picture or a character, converts it into image data, and stores it in the document temporary storage unit 12 as a copy document. The facsimile received document and the copy document (hereinafter referred to as document data) stored in the document temporary storage means 12 are facsimiles such as MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), and MMR (Modified Modified READ). This is data encoded by a communication encoding method.

  The JPEG conversion means 13 reads out the document data stored in the document temporary storage means 12 and converts it into JPEG format image data (hereinafter referred to as print document data) corresponding to the communication standard with the printer 30. It is stored in the print document storage means 14. When the facsimile apparatus 101 and the printer 30 are compatible with PictBridge, the print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14 is preferably JPEG format data.

  The output destination monitoring unit 15 monitors whether the print control unit 17, the card output unit 18, and the server output unit 19 are connected to the output destination, and whether or not print document data can be output from each output destination. The output enable / disable state indicating that is managed. For example, the output destination monitoring unit 15 sets and manages an output propriety flag indicating an output propriety state for each of the print control unit 17, the card output unit 18, and the server output unit 19. For example, the output propriety flag is set to 1 when print document data can be output, and the output propriety flag is set to 0 when output is impossible. In the following description, the output destination monitoring unit 15 exemplifies a case where the output permission / prohibition state is managed by setting the output permission / prohibition flag, but the present invention is not limited to the flag.

  The print control unit 17 controls the connection state with the external printer 30. The print control means 17 recognizes that print document data can be output when the printer 30 is connected via a USB cable, and recognizes that output is not possible when the printer 30 is not connected. That is, when the printer 30 is connected, the print control unit 17 notifies the output destination monitoring unit 15 that the print document data can be output to the printer 30, and the output destination monitoring unit 15 The output propriety flag corresponding to the print control means 17 is set to 1.

  The card output means 18 controls the connection state of the memory card. The card output means 18 recognizes that print document data can be output when a memory card such as an SD card or CompactFlash (registered trademark) is inserted in a memory card slot (not shown) of the facsimile apparatus 101. If it is not inserted, it is recognized that output is impossible. That is, when the memory card is inserted, the card output unit 18 notifies the output destination monitoring unit 15 that the print document data can be output to the memory card, and the output destination monitoring unit 15 The output enable / disable flag corresponding to the card output means 18 is set to 1.

  The server output means 19 controls the connection state of the file server 40. The server output means 19 recognizes that print document data can be output when a LAN cable is connected to the facsimile apparatus 101 and is connected to the file server 40 via a network, and output when it is not connected. Recognize it as impossible. That is, when the file server 40 is connected, the server output unit 19 notifies the output destination monitoring unit 15 that the print document data can be output to the file server 40, and the output destination monitoring unit 15. Sets the output propriety flag corresponding to the server output means 19 to 1.

  The output destination switching unit 16 refers to the connection state (output enable / disable flag) managed by the output destination monitoring unit 15 and sequentially outputs the print document data to an output destination that can output the print document data.

  When the printer 30 is connected via a USB cable, that is, when the output permission flag corresponding to the print control unit 17 is 1, the output destination switching unit 16 prints the print document stored in the print document storage unit 14. Data is read out and output to the print control means 17. The print control unit 17 outputs the print document data output from the output destination switching unit 16 to the printer 30.

  When the memory card is inserted, that is, when the output permission flag corresponding to the card output means 18 is 1, the output destination switching means 16 reads the print document data stored in the print document storage means 14, The data is output to the card output means 18. The card output unit 18 outputs the print document data output from the output destination switching unit 16 to the memory card.

  When connected to the file server 40, that is, when the output permission flag corresponding to the server output means 19 is 1, the output destination switching means 16 reads the print document data stored in the print document storage means 14 And output to the server output means 19. The server output unit 19 transmits the print document data output from the output destination switching unit 16 to the file server 40.

  When the print document data can be output to any one of the printer 30, the memory card, and the file server 40, the output destination switching unit 16 deletes the output print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14. .

  In the first embodiment, the interface is realized by the print control unit 17, the card output unit 18 and the server output unit 19. The data conversion unit is realized by the JPEG conversion unit 13. Detection means for detecting an output device capable of outputting print image data is realized by the output destination monitoring means 15. The output means is realized by the output destination switching means 16.

  The JPEG conversion unit 13, the output destination monitoring unit 15, and the output destination switching unit 16 are realized by a CPU mounted on the facsimile apparatus 101 executing a program for realizing these functions.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the output destination monitoring unit 15 in the first embodiment. The output destination monitoring unit 15 may execute processing periodically. Further, for example, processing may be executed in response to a request from the output destination switching means 16 at the time of facsimile reception or the like.

  The output destination monitoring unit 15 determines the connection state between the print control unit 17 and the printer 30 (step S21). In step S <b> 21, the output destination monitoring unit 15 inquires of the print control unit 17 whether output to the printer 30 is possible. If the printer 30 is connected, the print control unit 17 recognizes that output is possible (Yes), and proceeds to step S22. If the printer 30 is not connected, it is recognized that output is impossible (No), and the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S <b> 22, the print control unit 17 notifies the output destination monitoring unit 15 that output to the printer 30 is possible. The output destination monitoring unit 15 sets the output permission flag corresponding to the print control unit 17 to 1.

  The output destination monitoring unit 15 determines the connection state between the card output unit 18 and the memory card (step S23). In step S <b> 23, the output destination monitoring unit 15 inquires of the card output unit 18 whether or not output to the memory card is possible. If the memory card is connected, the card output means 18 recognizes that output is possible (Yes), and proceeds to step S24. If the memory card is not connected, it is recognized that output is impossible (No), and the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S24, the card output means 18 notifies the output destination monitoring means 15 that it can be output to the memory card. The output destination monitoring unit 15 sets the output permission flag corresponding to the card output unit 18 to 1.

  The output destination monitoring unit 15 determines the connection state between the server output unit 19 and the file server 40 (step S25). In step S <b> 25, the output destination monitoring unit 15 inquires of the server output unit 19 whether it can be output to the file server 40. If the file server 40 is connected, the server output means 19 recognizes that output is possible (Yes), and proceeds to step S26. If the file server 40 is not connected, it is recognized that the output is impossible (No), and the series of processing ends.

  In step S <b> 26, the server output unit 19 notifies the output destination monitoring unit 15 that output to the file server 40 is possible. The output destination monitoring unit 15 sets the output permission flag corresponding to the server output unit 19 to 1 and ends the series of processes.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the output destination switching means 16 in the first embodiment. For example, the output destination switching unit 16 executes processing when print document data is stored in the print document storage unit 14.

  The output destination switching unit 16 refers to the output enable / disable flag corresponding to the print control unit 17 among the output enable / disable flags managed by the output destination monitoring unit 15 and determines whether or not output to the printer 30 is possible (step). S31). In step S31, if the output permission flag corresponding to the print control means 17 is 1, that is, if output to the printer 30 is possible (Yes), the output destination switching means 16 is stored in the print document storage means 14. The print document data is read and output to the print control means 17, and the print control means 17 outputs the print document data output from the output destination switching means 16 to the printer 30 (step S32). In step S31, when the output permission flag corresponding to the print control unit 17 is 0, that is, when output to the printer 30 is impossible (No), the process proceeds to step S33 without performing the process.

  The output destination switching means 16 refers to the output enable / disable flag corresponding to the card output means 18 among the output enable / disable flags managed by the output destination monitoring means 15 to determine whether or not output to the memory card is possible (step). S33). In step S33, if the output permission flag corresponding to the card output means 18 is 1, that is, if output to the memory card is possible (Yes), the output destination switching means 16 is stored in the print document storage means 14. The printed document data is read and output to the card output unit 18, and the card output unit 18 outputs the print document data output from the output destination switching unit 16 to the memory card (step S34). In step S33, when the output permission flag corresponding to the card output means 18 is 0, that is, when output to the memory card is impossible (No), the process proceeds to step S35 without performing the process.

  The output destination switching unit 16 refers to the output propriety flag corresponding to the server output unit 19 among the output propriety flags managed by the output destination monitoring unit 15, and determines whether or not output to the file server 40 is possible ( Step S35). In step S35, when the output permission flag corresponding to the server output means 19 is 1, that is, when output to the file server 40 is possible (Yes), the output destination switching means 16 stores in the print document storage means 14. The read print document data is read out and output to the server output unit 19, and the server output unit 19 outputs the print document data output from the output destination switching unit 16 to the file server 40 (step S36). In step S35, when the output permission flag corresponding to the server output means 19 is 0, that is, when output to the file server 40 is impossible (No), the process proceeds to step S37 without performing the process.

  In step S <b> 37, the output destination switching unit 16 determines whether the print document data can be output to any one of the printer 30, the memory card, and the file server 40. If the print document data can be output to any one (Yes), the output destination switching unit 16 deletes the output print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14 (step S38). Then, a series of processing is completed.

  If the print document data cannot be output in any case (No), the series of processing is terminated without performing the processing. The print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14 and not deleted is automatically output when any of the printer 30, the memory card, and the file server 40 can be output. May be.

  When all of the printer 30, the memory card, and the file server 40 are normally connected, one print document data can be output to three locations of the printer 30, the memory card, and the file server 40. Further, the print document data can be stored as electronic data in two locations, the memory card and the file server 40.

  In a usage environment where the facsimile apparatus and the printer are installed apart from each other, the print document data can be stored in a memory card by the facsimile apparatus and printed by a memory card compatible printer.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the facsimile apparatus does not have a built-in printer function and an externally connected printer can be used, the facsimile apparatus can be downsized, and the printer There is an effect that the cost for the function can be reduced.

  Also, since document data received with a facsimile code is converted into print document data in a format that can be printed as is by an external printer, the user can perform a printing operation by connecting the external printer to the facsimile apparatus. As with the built-in printer, a print document can be output from an external printer in real time.

  Further, the facsimile apparatus can output one print document data in real time to a plurality of output destinations such as a printer, a memory card, and a file server. Therefore, even if a sudden failure or the like occurs at one output destination, the received data can be acquired in real time.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 4 includes a facsimile communication unit 11, a document temporary storage unit 12, a JPEG conversion unit 13, a print document storage unit 14, an output destination monitoring unit 15, an output destination switching unit 16, and a printing unit. The control means 17, the server output means 19, the scanner means 20, the card reading means 25, and the file format determination means 26 are provided.

  Also, the print control means 17 and the printer 30 are connected via a USB cable, the server output means 19 and the file server 40 are connected via a LAN cable, and a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot. The card reading means 25 and the memory card are connected. The same components as those of the facsimile apparatus 101 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The card reading means 25 reads a file stored in the memory card when the memory card is inserted into the memory card slot.

  The file format determining unit 26 determines the file format from the file extension read by the card reading unit 25. If the read file is a JPEG file, the file format determination unit 26 stores the file in the print document storage unit 14.

  When the read file is a file in TIFF format or PDF format, the file format determination unit 26 further analyzes the file data. When the data is data encoded by an encoding method for facsimile communication such as MH, MR and MMR, the JPEG conversion means 13 converts the file into a JPEG format file and stores it in the print document storage means 14. To do.

  The output destination switching unit 16 reads the print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14 and sequentially outputs the print document data to the output destination in the output enabled state.

  Next, the operation of the file format determination unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the file format determination unit 26 in the second embodiment.

  The file format determination unit 26 determines the file format from the extension of the file read by the card reading unit 25 (step S51). In step S51, when the file format is a TIFF format or PDF format file (Yes), the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the file format determination unit 26 determines whether the internal data of the file is data encoded by an encoding method for facsimile communication such as MH, MR and MMR. In step S52, if the file format is any one of MH, MR, and MMR (Yes), the file format determination unit 26 outputs the file to the JPEG conversion unit 13 (step S53). The JPEG conversion unit 13 converts the file into a JPEG format file and stores it in the print document storage unit 14. In step S52, if the file format is not one of MH, MR, and MMR (No), the process proceeds to step S56, and a series of processing is terminated because printing is impossible.

  In step S51, when the file format is not a TIFF format or PDF format file (No), the process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the file format determination unit 26 determines whether the file format is a JPEG format file. If the file is a JPEG file (Yes), the process proceeds to step S55, and the file is stored in the print document storage unit 14 without converting the file format. If it is not a JPEG format file (No), the process moves to step S57, and a series of processing is terminated because printing is impossible.

  According to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the memory card is inserted into the card slot, the file stored in the card is read, and the file format is selected. There is an effect that the data can be automatically output to the printer.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 6 includes a facsimile communication unit 11, a document temporary storage unit 12, a JPEG conversion unit 13, a print document storage unit 14, an output destination monitoring unit 15, an output destination switching unit 16, and a printing unit. The control unit 17, the card output unit 18, the server output unit 19, the scanner unit 20, and the PC print control unit 51 are provided.

  Also, the print control means 17 and the printer 30 are connected via a USB cable, the server output means 19 and the file server 40 are connected via a LAN cable, and PC print control via a USB cable. The means 51 and the personal computer 50 are connected. The same components as those of the facsimile apparatus 101 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  When a printing operation is performed in the personal computer 50, the PC print control unit 51 receives print data from the personal computer 50. The PC print control unit 51 outputs the received print data to the print control unit 17. The print control unit 17 outputs the print data output from the PC print control unit 51 to the printer 30.

  When the PC print control means 51 receives print data from the personal computer 50, if the output destination switching means 16 outputs the print document data stored in the print document storage means 14 to the printer 30, the PC print The control unit 51 outputs the print data received from the personal computer 50 to the printer 30 after the output of the print document data output by the output destination switching unit 16 is completed.

  Further, the output destination switching unit 16 prints the print document data stored in the print document storage unit 14 when the PC print control unit 51 outputs the print data received from the personal computer 50 to the printer 30. The printing process is started after the output of the print data received by the PC print control unit 51 is completed.

  According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, there is an effect that print data can be received from a personal computer and output to a printer.

  The present invention can be effectively applied to a facsimile machine that outputs image data to an external output device.

1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the output destination monitoring means in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the output destination switching means in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the facsimile apparatus by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the file format determination means in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of the facsimile apparatus by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Facsimile apparatus 11 Facsimile communication means 12 Document temporary storage means 13 JPEG conversion means 14 Print document storage means 15 Output destination monitoring means 16 Output destination switching means 17 Print control means 18 Card output means 19 Server output means 20 Scanner means 30 Printer 40 File server

Claims (6)

A facsimile apparatus capable of communicating image data,
Interfaces with a plurality of output devices including printer devices;
When image data according to the first encoding method corresponding to the communication standard with another facsimile apparatus is input, the second encoding corresponding to the communication standard with the printer apparatus is applied to the image data according to the first encoding method. Data conversion means for converting into print image data by a method;
Detecting means for detecting an output device capable of outputting print image data among the plurality of output devices;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: output means for outputting print image data created by the data conversion means by conversion to an output device detected by the detection means. Storage means for storing print image data according to the second encoding method;
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the print image data stored in the storage means to an output device, and deletes the print image data output to the output device from the storage means. When the image data stored in the external storage means is input, it is determined whether the input image data is image data according to the first encoding method, and the image data according to the first encoding method is used. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a file format determination unit that outputs image data to the data conversion unit when it is determined that the data conversion unit is present. An interface with the computer;
Terminal print control means for outputting print image data output by the computer to output means,
The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output unit outputs the print image data output by the terminal print control unit to a printer device. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication standard with the printer apparatus is PictBridge, and the print image data according to the second encoding method is JPEG data. An image data output method for outputting image data to a plurality of output devices including a printer device,
When image data according to the first encoding method corresponding to the communication standard with another facsimile apparatus is input, the second encoding corresponding to the communication standard with the printer apparatus is applied to the image data according to the first encoding method. Converted to print image data by
Detecting an output device capable of outputting print image data among the plurality of output devices;
An image data output method comprising outputting print image data created by conversion to a detected output device.

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